ICL3243EIAZ

Overview

The ICL3243EIAZ is a low-power RS-232 transceiver manufactured by Renesas Electronics, operating within a supply voltage range of 3.0 V to 5.5 V. It integrates three drivers and five receivers in a single full-duplex package, supporting data rates up to 250 kb/s. The device features an internal charge pump for voltage generation and includes automatic shutdown functionality to minimize power consumption. It provides ±15 kV electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection on all RS-232 pins, ensuring robustness against environmental interference while maintaining compatibility with standard serial communication protocols.

Feature Summary

• Automatic shutdown circuitry reduces standby current when the RS-232 cable is disconnected or peripheral devices are powered off.
• Integrated charge pump eliminates the need for external dual-voltage supplies, enabling operation from a single low-voltage source.
• High ESD tolerance protects sensitive input and output pins against static discharge events without requiring additional protective components.

Applications

• Portable computing devices such as laptops and notebooks requiring compact serial interfaces.
• Personal digital assistants (PDAs) and handheld computers with strict power budget constraints.
• Industrial control systems utilizing RS-232 communication in environments with potential electrostatic exposure.

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix 'EIAZ' corresponds to the SSOP-28 package and lead-free RoHS compliance status required for your assembly process. Confirm that the manufacturer designation aligns with Renesas Electronics or Intersil legacy branding to ensure component authenticity. Cross-reference the datasheet revision date to validate parameter consistency before finalizing procurement orders.

Selection Notes

Select this component when designing systems requiring three transmit channels and five receive channels within a limited footprint. Ensure the application environment operates between -40°C and +85°C to utilize the full industrial temperature rating. Verify that the system power supply remains stable between 3.0 V and 5.5 V to maintain signal integrity and proper charge pump operation during active transmission cycles.

Part Context

This part belongs to the ICL32xxE series of low-power RS-232 transceivers designed for portable electronics. It serves as a direct replacement for older 5V-only RS-232 chips, offering improved power efficiency and lower operating voltages. The series is widely adopted in mobile computing applications where battery life and board space are critical design constraints.

Replacement Considerations

The MAX3243EEAI+ from Analog Devices/Maxim Integrated offers pin-compatible functionality with similar electrical specifications. Verify package dimensions and thermal characteristics when substituting to ensure mechanical fit within the existing PCB layout without modifying surrounding components.